Effect of cinnamon on antioxidant content and ZO-1 gene expression in the brain following middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats receiving high-fatdiet

Introduction: Despite all the research, no definitive treatment for stroke has been found yet. Cinnamon is a plant that has been shown to have health benefits effects. In this study, the effect of pretreatment of cinnamon on ischemia tolerance and the expression of Zonula occludens 1(ZO-1) gene in the brains of rats receiving a high-fat diet was investigated. Methods: In this study, 72 rats were divided into six groups: control, sham, model (stroke), vehicle, lovastatin, and cinnamon. All groups except the control group received a high-fat diet for 8 weeks. Then the last three groups received Carboxymethyl cellulose, lovastatin, and cinnamon 130 mg accordingly for 6 weeks. Stroke was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Twelve hours later, the animals were examined for the extent of serum lipids, brain edema, anti-oxidant capacity and gene expression of ZO-1. Results: Cinnamon was effective in reducing serum cholesterol and triglyceride. Cinnamon treatment significantly diminished brain edema. It also restored anti-oxidant capacity. ZO-1 gene expression was increased in the ischemic brains after cinnamon treatment (P 0.05). Conclusion: Pretreatment with Cin130 had beneficial effects on the serum lipid profile, edema volume in ischemic brain and anti-oxidant capacity. It increased ZO-1 gene expression and so maintained cellular integrity and prevented the subsequent edema.